Last year’s festivities were held on Main Street downtown due to a bridge replacement project near the traditional festival site.
“Going back to the levee is like we are going home. We are bringing ourselves back together, remembering how we did things before,” said Heather Dorsten, in her third year as festival manager.
No new events are planned this year as several events that had to be canceled in 2012 return.
A new feature will be a large kids area on the levee next to the river. Bouncy houses, games and other kids activities will be offered by True Life Community Church.
The annual parade returns after being canceled last year. The parade will reflect the festival theme, “A Magical Place,” as selected by 2013 festival Chairman Jon Dankworth.
Also back among club and organization food offerings will be chocolate covered strawberries, which were noticeably absent last year. This year, the chocolate covered strawberries will be available from a new participating organization, the Fletcher United Methodist Church.
This year’s parade will be similar to those of the past and will include around 150 units such as floats, equestrian units, clowns, color guards and some new motorcycle units, said Doug Stone, parade chairman.
Stone said those who have watched the Saturday morning parade live on Dayton television in the past will not have that option this year because the Dayton stations are not televising the event live. Local station TV5 will broadcast the parade live as well as the Friday night bed races and a Saturday concert.
Also on hand for this year’s festival will be guests from Troy’s Sister City in Takahashi City, Japan, including Mayor Takanori Kondo. Their itinerary includes the Friday night bed races and Saturday morning’s parade.
Among new festival souvenirs this year will be a shot glass (no alcohol is sold) and T-shirts with metallic type lettering to reflect the magical theme. A Saturday concert at the stadium returns featuring Columbus country rock band McGuffey Lane.
For more information, go to www.gostrawberries.com.
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